Poyet: All eyes on Sunderland’s first victory

Chris Young

GUS POYET insists a tumultuous month at the Stadium of Light should be no barrier towards Sunderland beginning his reign with a victory this weekend.

Poyet’s appointment as Sunderland’s new head coach has brought a sense of closure to Wearside after several chaotic weeks for the Black Cats.

The Premier League’s basement boys have experienced the growing friction between Paolo Di Canio and his players, the fall-out and recriminations over his dismissal, and then uncertainty over who would replace the Italian at the helm.

By contrast, Saturday’s opponents Swansea remain on the upward curve they have enjoyed since returning to the top flight in 2011.

Manager Michael Laudrup has built on the work of predecessor Brendan Rodgers, won the first major trophy in the club’s history and taken them into Europe.

But despite that difference in circumstances, Poyet believes his first game at the helm can bring much-needed points in the battle for survival.

Poyet told the Echo: “It’s a big contrast.

“We have a few problems. We’ve changed a manager, and we’ve got a new group of players.

“But at 3pm, it’s 11v11, one referee, two linesmen. It’s about what you do in those two hours.